General Discussion Triathlon Talk » TI workshops really worth it? Rss Feed  
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2005-08-31 10:27 AM

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Coach
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Boston, MA
Subject: TI workshops really worth it?

I am an "ok" swimmer (1.2 mile swim time 33:34 min and 1/2 mile 12:05 min) and I am looking to improve my times for next season. I read the TI book and watched DVD and I I'd been following TI drills for almost a year now, however I am not sure I'd become much faster. Been frustrated for a while I dropped the TI drills and started following other drills I found online and I feel those drills had better impact on my speed & technique. Finally I got my stroke video tape and analyzed by my coach and work on some major flaws, but still I have a lot of work to do to bring my times down.

I was looking into TI workshops but they charge you $445.00 for 2 days - 16 hrs (only 3.5 hrs of swimming or so), you have to bring your own lunch, and they tape you 2 times. Plus, you need to add your traveling expenses... Maybe they are GREAT but still it seems and awful a lot of money! (Not even a USAT Coach Clinic level 1 is worth that much). For that money I could hire a swimming coach for a month or two!

Coaches around this site: do you guys think these workshops are worth it or it would be better for me to spend that money on a swimming coach?



2005-08-31 10:50 AM
in reply to: #238073

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Elite
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Texas
Subject: RE: TI workshops really worth it?
Not a coach, but I did do the workshop. TI doesn't make you faster in the short term. It does make you more efficient, which is great when you go to get on the bike. I did the book to DVD to workshop progression. Hands down, the workshop was a great investment for me. But I was an extreme novice. I guess for you, you have to consider how tired you are after the swim. If you're not tired, you are probably already pretty efficient. There's a lot of discussion about TI and speed, with a lot of people saying TI doesn't make you fast. I tend to agree. In fact I'm going to a non-TI coach soon to have her look at my technique to see how I can pick up some speed myself.
2005-08-31 10:59 AM
in reply to: #238073

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Pro
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Virginia Beach, VA
Subject: RE: TI workshops really worth it?
I've read the book, watched the DVD, and worked the drills myself for several months.  I've recently dropped the drills for the most part, although not because I didn't think they were useful...more because of limited time in the pool during the core of racing season.  $445 isn't cheap but I'm willing to buck up and find out if it's worth it or not.  Luckily I've got plenty of SkyMiles and family in Colorado Springs so my travel and lodging will be virtually free.
2005-08-31 11:10 AM
in reply to: #238073

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Veteran
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Centreville, MD
Subject: RE: TI workshops really worth it?
I haven't done a workshop, but I did a private lesson with a TI coach (Hap Gentry) in St. Louis when I was there for a business trip.  Find someone (preferably Hap or another TI coach in my opinion) that will take underwater video.  It was amazing to see my stroke from both sides, coming and going on video.  It's amazing the difference it makes when you see your faults for yourself....it makes the drills and sensations so much more meaningful.  Trust me, it will be the best investment you will make in training!  As I said, I haven't done a workshop, but the private lesson was a great experience because the entire time it was 1 on 1 with the coach, lots of video and follow-up.  Hap charges $75/hr for his time - it was well worth it and I would recommend it for everyone...regardless of skill level.
2005-08-31 11:28 AM
in reply to: #238073

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Pro
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Virginia Beach, VA
Subject: RE: TI workshops really worth it?
You can check the listing of TI coaches and read through their bios.  Find someone in your area that has been teaching TI for a long time and see abouta one-on-one session.  You can probably get about as much from a few hours with a private coach as the weekend workshop.
2005-08-31 12:49 PM
in reply to: #238073

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Champion
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MA
Subject: RE: TI workshops really worth it?

I hired a TI coach and have had 5 lessons at $55 a lesson...I found it cheaper than doing a TI workshop plus I was able to practice what she told me as much as I needed between classes. I had classes every 2 weeks to start and then not for 2 months. I thought with the way I learn it would be easier to learn a bit and practice and then be able to learn more.

My suggestion is to find a local TI coach and try one lesson to see if it is helpful to you. In MA there are TI coaches near Springfield, my coach and I think one in NH.

Some TI coaches put on a 6 week series of classes that they price themselves.

Jorge..I live in MA and my coach is out in SE MA near RI.  Her website is www.bigdreamfitness.com



2005-08-31 2:05 PM
in reply to: #238073

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Coach
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Boston, MA
Subject: RE: TI workshops really worth it?
Great! I like the one-on-one session better as I feel it will fit better for my specific needs. Plus it will be cheaper. Thanks!
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